although, but, however

All of these words join clauses in

sentences, but they are different
parts of speech.
This presentation explains the impact
of the word choice on sentence
pattern and punctuation.

although, but, however

Semantic similarity
These three words are related
semantically (in meaning):
they all signal a contrast in the
information that follows with the
information that precedes.

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although, but, however

Structural difference
However, these words differ
structurally: they are different parts
of speech and affect sentence patterns
in different ways.

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Semantic similarity
Structural difference
An editor needs to know the
structural difference in order to
punctuate sentences correctly.

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although, but, however

sentence patterns and

punctuation
Punctuation errors can result from
using the words as interchangeable.
Misreading can result from errors.

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parts of speech

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sentence analysis

Compound sentence, coordinating

conjunction

I have studied the textbook, but

I am still confused.
coordinating conjunction (but)
two independent clauses (I have
studied and I am)
compound sentence: comma separates
clauses with a coordinating conjunction

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sentence analysis

Complex sentence, subordinating

conjunction

Although I have studied the

textbook, I am still confused.

two clauses (2 pairs of subject + verb)

subordinating conjunction (although)
dependent clause
complex sentence: comma after the
introductory clause

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sentence analysis

Complex sentence, subordinating

conjunction

I have studied the textbook;

however, I am still confused.
conjunctive adverb (joins clauses but
does not affect sentence pattern)
two independent clauses
compound sentence, no coordinating
conjunction-->semicolon

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sentence analysis

Two simple sentences, however as

adverb in one

I am confused.
I have, however, studied the
textbook.
however is an adverb
two simple sentences
the adverb is interrupting material
that requires a pair of commas
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Review

although, but, however

Parts of speech affect sentence patterns.

Although, but, and however are different
parts of speech.
although--subordinating conjunction
but--coordinating conjunction
however--conjunctive adverb

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Review: sentence types

compound sentence =
two independent clauses
join with comma plus coordinating conjunction
join with a semicolon

complex sentence =
one independent clause,
one dependent clause
join with a comma or nothing (never a
semicolon)

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Review

although, but, however

Although makes a clause dependent

and the sentence complex.
But joins independent clauses in a
compound sentence.
However can join independent
clauses but does not change their
independence.

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Editing:

original sentence (punctuation

error)

When editors analyze sentence

structure, they punctuate
correctly; although it is easy to
confuse different parts of speech.

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Editing:

analysis

When editors analyze

sentence structure,

dependent clause
(when is a
subordinating
conjunction)

they punctuate correctly

independent
clause (S+V)

although it is easy to
confuse different parts of
speech.

dependent clause
(S+V +
subordinating
conjunction)

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Option #1 for punctuation

Delete the semicolon (or replace it with a

comma): maintain complex sentence

When editors analyze sentence

structure, they punctuate
correctly although it is easy to
confuse different parts of speech.

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Option #2 for punctuation

Replace although with however and retain

the semicolon: create a compoundcomplex sentence (includes 2 independent
clauses)

When editors analyze sentence

structure, they punctuate
correctly; however, it is easy to
confuse different parts of speech.
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Choosing an option
In this case, the second option is
probably better.
The sentence is long and difficult.
Subordination and lack of punctuation
increase reading difficulty. Coordination
creates parallel structure, which aids
comparison.

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although, but, however

know parts of speech
know the ways these words affect
clauses
punctuate according to structure

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